Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

GENERIC NAME: attapulgite

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Attapulgite is an oral, nonabsorbed
medication that is used in the management of diarrhea. It works by adsorbing
(binding) large numbers of bacteria and toxins and reducing the loss of water.
Attapulgite reduces the number of bowel movements, improves the consistency of
loose or watery stools, and relieves the gastrointestinal cramping that often is
associated with diarrhea.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Attapulgite is used for the short-term treatment of
diarrhea.

DOSING: Attapulgite is taken after each loose bowel movement.

Adults
and adolescents over the age of 12 years may take 1.2 to 1.5 grams per dose, up
to 8.4 grams per day.

Children 6 to 12 years of age may take 600 to 750 mg after
each loose bowel movement and up to 4.5 grams per day.

Children 3 to 6 years of
age may take 300 mg after each loose bowel movement up to a total of 2.1 grams
(7 doses) per day.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Attapulgite can decrease the absorption of
benztropine (Cogentin), trihexyphenidyl (Artane), loxapine (Loxitane) and
dicyclomine (Bentyl) if taken at the same time. These medications should be
taken at least 2 hours earlier or later than attapulgite. Attapulgite and other
antidiarrheals can worsen constipation caused by opiate pain relievers such as
oxycodone (Percocet),
hydrocodone (Vicodin), propoxyphene (Darvon), morphine,
and codeine.